Medical insurance is our first level of protection. Any hospital admission (intended or otherwise) is never completely hassle-free.
This is precisely the case where a Letter of Guarantee (LOG) aids in the waiver of initial hospital cash deposit prior to being warded. However, do not assume that one will always get it approved. Here’s what you need to know (especially if your hospitalization and surgical insurance is IncomeShield).
IMPORTANT:
1. The issuance of the LOG is not guaranteed and it is subject to NTUC Income’s review and discretion
There are criteria to fulfill before the LOG may be issued. For example:
a) The policy and accompanying riders must be in force for at least 1 year
b) The policy was issued based on standard terms (no exclusions or loading)
c) The estimated LOG amount is above the policy deductible (applies to plans without Riders)
d) The LOG amount computed is up to the eligible plan entitlement or a maximum of $10,000, whichever is lesser
e) Medical condition does not falls under list of exclusions
Note: LOG will not be issued for admissions to Community Hospitals.
2. Hospitals may still request for payments or refuse acceptance of the LOG issued by NTUC Income
For example, private hospitals may still request for payment as required by their internal practices.
3. LOG for admissions to KK Women's and Children's Hospital
As admissions to KK Women's and Children's Hospital usually relate to pregnancy/child-birth or congenital conditions for children, the Hospital will only accept LOGs issued for women's gynecological problems unrelated to child birth, delivery, fertility/infertility, abortions or similar etc. You may also note that Congenital conditions may manifest in the form of common symptoms/ailments initially but only detected or diagnosed subsequently. The Hospital reserves the right to accept or deny any LOG or accept with cash deposits according to their own internal guidelines.
4. The sole purpose of the LOG is for the policyholder to obtain a waiver of the deposit that may be required by the hospital
The issuance of a LOG does not imply that the claim is approved and neither will the guaranteed amount be an indication of the claim amount payable (if at all) in respect of any such claim under the Incomeshield policy.
The complete FAQ on NTUC IncomeShield LOG is here.
The other health insurer providing Letter of Guarantee is Aviva through MyShield.
Update: The above applies to Medisave approved Integrated Shield Plans. For group insurance medical plans (hospitalization & surgical) e.g. employment medical insurance, one has to check with respective insurers on availability of Letter of Guarantee subject to terms and conditions.
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